Tampon applicator assembly

ABSTRACT

The tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon applicator section, an outer housing section, and a plunger section. The combined tampon applicator section and plunger section function as a conventional plunger-type tampon applicator. The outer housing section includes a sleeve with a proximal portion and a distal portion. The (distal) insertion end of the tampon applicator section essentially fits inside the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the distal portion of the sleeve is designed to accommodate a feminine hygiene product, such as a pad, a disposable wipe, a towelette disposal mitt, a simple disposal bag, and other products associated with menstruation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/000,361, filed Oct. 25, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to feminine hygiene products, andparticularly to a tampon applicator assembly that includes a tampon andassociated feminine hygiene products.

2. Description of the Related Art

Although a woman's menstrual cycle occurs at approximately the same timeeach month, the actual menstrual flow may begin unexpectedly.Consequently many women always carry a feminine hygiene product (i.e. atampons, sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc.) in their purse, in theircoat pocket, or in other quickly accessible locations. However, when afeminine hygiene product is stored in a purse (for example) for anylength of time, the outer paper wrapping often tears and the product maybecome contaminated or damaged. Using feminine hygiene products that aredamaged or contaminated may result in illness or injury. Specifically,using a contaminated tampon may cause infection and using a damagedapplicator can result in pain and discomfort during insertion.

This problem is multiplied when a woman carries a combination ofproducts. Women frequently use a protective pad (such as a panty liner)in combination with a tampon as a means of preventing the unwanted andembarrassing leakage of menstrual fluids. They may also carry otherproducts in combination with a tampon such as disposable wipes, pads, apharmaceutical, a towelette disposal mitt, and the like. The use of acombination of products may be particularly important during the earlystages of the menstrual period.

The prior art that is most applicable to the current invention is theinventor's previously issued patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,386). Anembodiment of the inventor's previous US patent discloses a tamponapplicator that incorporates a storage compartment within the tamponplunger area. However, the inventor's previous invention is structurallydistinguishable from the current invention and, as a practical matter,it is questionable whether the tampon plunger compartment of theinventor's previous patent provides sufficient space to accommodate sometypes of feminine hygiene products.

Further, many currently available tampons have reduced diameter plungersso that any compartment within the plunger would be extremely small.Examples of these types of tampons include the Gentle Glide® tamponmarketed by Playtex Products, Inc. of Westport, Conn. and the Pearl andSport tampons marketed by Tampax, Inc. of Denver, Colo. Additionally,tampons with no conventional applicator (and therefore no plungersection) are also commonly available in the market place.

The need exists for a tampon applicator assembly that is compatible withtampons that have reduced diameter plungers and have sufficient space tostore at least one feminine hygiene product (as defined in thisspecification) in combination with a tampon. It would be desirable thatthe tampon applicator assembly can be stored and carried in a woman'spurse without damaging and contaminating the feminine hygiene productswithin the tampon applicator assembly.

Thus, a tampon applicator assembly solving the aforementioned problemsis desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The tampon applicator assembly includes at least a tampon applicatorsection and an outer housing section. The tampon applicator section mayinclude a tampon encompassed by a tampon casing. A finger grip portionextends from the proximal end of the tampon casing. The outer housingsection is coaxial with the tampon applicator section and comprises arigid sleeve with a distal portion and a proximal portion. The sleeveproximal portion encompasses at least the insertion end of the tamponcasing. At least one feminine hygiene product is contained in the distalportion of the sleeve. The tampon applicator assembly is designed sothat the proximal portion of the sleeve protects the insertion end ofthe tampon casing, and the distal portion of the sleeve protects thefeminine hygiene product. Consequently the feminine hygiene product, theinsertion end of the tampon casing, and the tampon remain uncontaminatedprior to use.

The tampon applicator assembly need not include a tampon (insertion)casing. In this event, the tampon applicator assembly includes a tampondisposed in a proximal compartment of a rigid sleeve, and a femininehygiene product disposed in the distal compartment of the rigid sleeve.The distal compartment has a larger diameter than the proximalcompartment. The rigid sleeve encompasses the tampon and the femininehygiene product so that the tampon and the feminine hygiene product areprotected from contamination prior to use.

The tampon applicator assembly may provide a user with a disposal mitt.In this event, the tampon applicator assembly includes a tampon outercasing that encompasses a tampon, and a sleeve with a proximal portionthat at least partially encompasses the insertion end of the tamponcasing. A towelette disposal mitt is contained in the distal portion ofthe sleeve. The towelette disposal mitt is adapted to be used duringinsertion and removal of the tampon so that a user has an enhancedability to clean the affected areas. The towelette disposal mitt canalso be turned inside out and used as a soiled tampon disposal bag afterthe tampon has been removed.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a tampon applicator assemblyaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tampon applicator assembly accordingto the present invention in an assembled pre-use configuration.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a tampon applicator assembly according to thepresent invention in an assembled pre-use configuration.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of an alternativeembodiment of a tampon applicator assembly according to the presentinvention with threading/texturing on the interior of the proximal endof the outer housing section sleeve.

FIG. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the tampon applicatorassembly of FIG. 5, which also includes the plunger section.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of atampon applicator assembly according to the present invention in whichthe distal portion of the outer housing section sleeve is enlarged.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of atampon applicator assembly according to the present invention in whichthe proximal portion of the outer housing section sleeve is enlarged tocompletely envelope the tampon applicator and plunger sections.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the towelette disposal mitt of a tamponapplicator assembly according to the present invention, shown in thepre-use configuration.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the towelette disposal mitt of FIG. 9containing a soiled tampon in the post-use disposal bag configuration.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a tampon applicator assembly TA. Asbest shown in FIG. 1, the tampon applicator assembly TA includes anouter housing section 20, a tampon applicator section 22, and a plungersection 24. In the preferred embodiment, the outer components of thetampon applicator assembly TA are comprised of rigid or semi-rigidcardboard, plastic, or coated materials. In further embodiments, thecomponents of the tampon applicator assembly may be comprised of anymaterials suitable for the function of the associated component.

The combination of the applicator section 22 and the plunger section 24are well known in the art and comprise a conventional tampon applicator.The tampon applicator section 22 includes a tampon 26 that isencompassed and at least partially enveloped by a tampon casing 28.Knurled finger grips 30 may extend from the proximal end of the tamponcasing 28 so that a user can conveniently hold the tampon casing 28 inplace during the tampon insertion process. The plunger section 24generally comprises a cylindrical plunger mechanism 32. The distal end34 of the plunger mechanism 32 extends into the tampon casing 28 andrests adjacent to the tampon 26 in the packaged configuration prior touse. A tampon extraction string 37 extends from the tampon 26 throughthe plunger mechanism 32.

In operation, a tampon 26 is conventionally inserted by placing the(distal) insertion end 36 of the tampon casing 28 within the user'svaginal opening and applying pressure to the plunger mechanism 32 sothat the plunger mechanism 32 advances in the direction D and the tampon26 is expelled from the insertion end 36 of the tampon casing 28 andinto the user's vaginal cavity. Although FIG. 1 depicts the tamponcasing 28 as having a “petal” type opening, the tampon casing 28 mayhave any opening known in the art. The tampon 26 may be subsequentlyremoved by grasping and pulling the extraction string 37 so that thetampon 26 is extracted from the vaginal cavity.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the tampon applicator assembly TA of thecurrent invention further comprises an outer housing section 20. Theouter housing section 20 comprises a sleeve 38 with at least a proximal40 and a distal 42 portion. In the preferred embodiment the sleeve 38 isa rigid, unobstructed, open-ended tube. In alternative embodiments theproximal 40 and distal 42 portions of the sleeve may be divided by oneor more partitions 44. In a further embodiment a single rigid partitionthat is integral with the sleeve may divide the interior of the sleeve38 into a proximal compartment 40 and a distal compartment 42.

As best shown in FIG. 1, the distal portion 42 of the sleeve 38 isgenerally hollow and may be hermetically sealed by a removable upperclosure device 48. In the preferred embodiment the upper closure device48 is a disposable lid comprised of plastic, paper, cardboard, foil orthe like. Alternatively, the closure device 48 may be designed to bere-attachable so that the outer housing section 20 is re-usable.Examples of re-attachable closure devices include a screw-typemechanism, and a snap-on cap, or the like. The closure device 48 may bemoisture and contamination resistant so that the contents of the distalportion 42 of the sleeve 38 are not damaged or otherwise compromised.

As best shown in FIG. 2, in the packaged pre-use position, the (distal)insertion end 36 of the tampon casing 28 extends into the proximalportion 40 of the sleeve 38 so that the proximal portion 40 envelops theentire tampon casing 28 except the knurled finger grip portion 30. Thisconfiguration protects the tampon applicator section 22 generally, andspecifically prevents the contamination of the insertion end 36 of thetampon casing 28 and ultimately the tampon 26. In an alternativeembodiment, the tampon 26 alone (without the tampon casing 28 andplunger section 24) may be enclosed within the proximal portion 40 ofthe sleeve 38.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 8, the distal portion 42 of the sleeve 38may contain various feminine hygiene products. Specifically, FIGS. 2 and3 show a disposable wipe 46 rolled and stored in the distal portion 42of the sleeve 38. FIG. 8 shows a towelette disposal mitt M that is alsostored in the distal portion 42 of the sleeve 38. The distal portion 42of the sleeve 38 may also contain other feminine hygiene products eitheralone or in various combinations.

For the purpose of this application, a “feminine hygiene product” may bedefined as at least one of the following: a towelette disposal bag/mitt,a disposable wipe, a panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an extra tampon, anabsorbent pad, a moistened towelette, a disposal bag, a pharmaceutical,a medicinal or non-medicinal lotion, a lubricant, a cleanser, aspermicidal agent, an anti-fungal agent, or any other generallymedicinal or hygienic product known in the art.

In alternative embodiments, the proximal portion 40 of the sleeve 38 mayalso contain at least one feminine hygiene product. For example, thedistal portion 42 of the sleeve 38 may contain a wipe and the proximalportion 40 of the sleeve 38 may contain a pad so that there is no tamponapplicator section 22 or plunger section 20.

In a further embodiment, the subject matter of the current invention maybe combined with the subject matter of the inventor's previous US patent(U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,386). In this embodiment, at least one femininehygiene product may be stored in the distal portion 42 of the sleeve 38,a tampon 26 and applicator 28 are stored in the proximal portion 40 ofthe sleeve 38, and an additional feminine hygiene product is stored inthe tampon applicator plunger compartment, as disclosed in theinventor's previous patent, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4 shows an exterior profile view of the tampon applicator assemblyTA of FIGS. 1-3 in the assembled configuration prior to use. In thepreferred embodiment the entire assembly is shrink-wrapped in plastic sothat the plunger section 24 is held in connection with the tamponapplicator section 22 and outer housing section 20. Alternatively theplunger section 24, tampon section 22, and outer housing section 20 maybe simply conventionally packaged in plastic, paper, or foil. The tamponapplicator assembly TA sections 20, 22, 24 may also be internally and/orexternally joined with a frictional interference fit. In a furtherembodiment the sections 20, 22, 24 may be joined with a transparent oran otherwise colored tape-type material or an adhesive.

As best shown in FIG. 5, in an additional embodiment the proximal end 50of the sleeve 38 of the outer housing section 20 may be knurled,threaded, corrugated, serrated, or otherwise textured or modified. Thistexturing or modification is designed to mesh with the correspondingtexturing/threading modification on the finger grip portion 30 of thetampon casing 28 so that the tampon casing 28 and the sleeve 38 fittogether to form a secure connection, as best shown in FIG. 6. Theproximal end 50 of the sleeve 38 may be generally rounded to furtherstreamline the packaging, as shown in FIG. 5.

As also shown in FIG. 6, the plunger mechanism 32 may havethreading/texturing that corresponds with the internal (or alternativelyexternal) surface of the finger grip portion 30 of the tampon casing 28so that the plunger mechanism 32 is similarly securely adjoined to thefinger grip portion 30. The opposite non-threaded/non-textured proximalend 52 of the plunger mechanism 32 could then be used during the tamponinsertion process to urge the tampon 26 from the tampon casing 28. Theproximal end 52 of plunger 32 may have a cap 53 that is removable priorto use so that the proximal end 52 of the plunger 32 is protected fromcontamination. Further, the diameter of the non-threaded portion of theplunger 32 may be reduced to so that the reduced diameter of the plunger32 sides easily into the finger grip portion 30 of the tampon casing 28(best shown in FIG. 1) to eject the tampon 26 during the tamponinsertion process.

As best shown in FIG. 5, in an alternative embodiment, the plungersection 24 may be omitted so that a user uses her finger in a mannersimilar to a plunger to force the tampon 26 from the tampon casing 28.In another embodiment, the plunger section 24, finger grip 30 and tamponcasing 28, may all be omitted so that only the tampon 26 is stored inthe proximal portion 40 of the sleeve 38. In this embodiment the usermanually inserts the tampon 26 without the use of the other components.

As best shown in FIG. 7, the size and shape of the distal portion 42 ofthe outer housing section 20 may be modified and enlarged to accommodatevarious feminine hygiene products. This is particularly important withregard tampons with reduced diameter plungers. In FIG. 7, the distalportion 42 of the sleeve 38 has been modified and enlarged relative tothe shape of the distal portion 42 in FIGS. 1-6. Specifically, thedistal portion 42 of the sleeve 38 in FIG. 7 has a generally invertedfrustoconical shape, however, in alternative embodiments, any shapeshould be considered within the scope of the invention.

As best shown in FIG. 8, in a further embodiment, the length of thesleeve 38 may be increased so that the sleeve 38 completely encompassesthe tampon applicator section 22 and the plunger section 24.Specifically, in this embodiment, the tampon applicator section 22 andthe plunger section 24 are positioned within the proximal portion 40 ofthe sleeve 38. In a further embodiment, the entire sleeve 38 may becomprised of a non-rigid material such as a foil, a plastic wrap, or thelike.

The FIG. 8 embodiment includes a lower closure device 54 opposite theupper closure device 48 so that the contents of the proximal portion 40may be removed. FIG. 8 shows that the distal portion 42 may include atowlette disposal mitt M. As discussed above, other hygiene andmedicinal products should be considered within the scope of theinvention as well.

As best shown in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, one of the products that may beenclosed in the distal portion 42 of the sleeve 38 is a towelettedisposal mitt M. The purpose of the mitt M is to enable the user tocleanse herself and to protect her hand during the tampon insertion andremoval process.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the mitt M has a closed end 58, and an oppositeopen end 60 that may be selectively closed. The open end 60 may have avariety of closing or sealing means, such as a drawstring 62, anincorporated twist-tie, or an adhesive strip. The open end 60 of themitt M may also incorporate a sealing means comprising at least oneflexible plastic tongue-and-groove fastener (commercially availableunder the trade name Ziploc®). There may be a sealing means on both theinterior and exterior of the mitt M so that the seal can be used bothbefore and after the mitt M is turned inside out. The sealing meanspreferably creates an airtight and watertight seal.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the interior 64 of the mitt M may be comprisedof a non-permeable plastic liner to protect the hand of a user. Theexterior 66 of the mitt M may be comprised of a towelette or a similarsoft and/or absorbent material. The towelette surface 66 may bepre-moistened for the comfort of a user and to enhance the cleaningprocess. The mitt M may have a tubular configuration or it may includefinger-type extensions 70 and/or a thumb extension 72.

As best shown in FIG. 9, the mitt M may include an attaching means 68 onthe mitt's exterior 66. The attaching means 68 may be comprised of anadhesive strip, such as a releasable tape; a clip; a clamp; or a safetypin or the like. The attaching means 68 allows a user to temporarilyattach the mitt M to her calf or thigh during the tampon insertion andremoval process and thereby avoid the necessity of placing the mitt M onthe restroom floor. In a further embodiment, the attaching means 68 mayfurther include a magnetic attachment device, such as a magnetic disc orstrip or the like, which allows the user to attach the mitt M to a metalpartition commonly found in public restrooms.

The tampon extraction process is completed by grasping the soiled tampon57 with the mitt M, and turning the mitt M inside out around the tampon57. As best shown in FIG. 10, after the tampon is removed and the mitt Mis turned inside out, the mitt M forms a disposal bag around the soiledtampon 57 so that the impermeable (previously) interior surface of themitt 64 forms an outer shell to prevent the leakage of fluids associatedwith the soiled tampon 57.

The mitt M may be packaged completely independently of the tamponapplicator assembly TA, or (as indicated above) it may be packagedwithin the distal portion of the sleeve 38. In the preferred embodimentthe mitt M is opaque, for discreet disposal.

For the foregoing reasons the current invention provides a versatiletampon applicator assembly capable of preserving feminine hygieneproducts in an uncontaminated state until the user is ready to use theproducts. It is understood that the present invention is not limited tothe embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A tampon applicator assembly, comprising: a tampon applicator sectionhaving: a tampon; a tampon casing encompassing the tampon, the tamponcasing having an insertion end and a proximal end; and a finger gripportion extending from the proximal end of the tampon casing; and anouter housing section coaxial with the tampon applicator section, theouter housing section having: a rigid sleeve having a distal portion anda proximal portion, the proximal portion encompassing at least theinsertion end of the tampon casing; and at least one feminine hygieneproduct, the feminine hygiene product being disposed in the distalportion of the sleeve; wherein the proximal portion of the sleeveprotects the insertion end of the tampon casing and the distal portionof the sleeve protects the feminine hygiene product so that the femininehygiene product, the insertion end of the tampon casing, and the tamponremain uncontaminated prior to use.
 2. The tampon applicator assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising a plunger section coaxial with the outerhousing section and the tampon applicator section, the plunger sectionhaving a plunger mechanism.
 3. The tampon applicator assembly of claim1, wherein the distal portion of the sleeve has a larger diameter thanthe proximal portion of the sleeve, and the proximal portion of thesleeve has a larger diameter than the tampon casing.
 4. The tamponapplicator assembly of claim 3, wherein the distal portion of the sleevehas a frustoconical shape.
 5. The tampon applicator assembly of claim 1,wherein the proximal portion of the sleeve envelops the entire tamponcasing except the finger grip portion.
 6. The tampon applicator assemblyof claim 5, wherein the finger grip portion is knurled.
 7. The tamponapplicator assembly of claim 5, wherein an interior of the proximalportion of the sleeve is one of textured and threaded to mesh with thefinger grip portion of the tampon casing so that the sleeve is securelyjoined with the tampon casing.
 8. The tampon applicator assembly ofclaim 5, wherein the proximal portion of the sleeve has a rounded end.9. The tampon applicator assembly of claim 2, wherein the plungermechanism is textured and threaded to mesh with the finger grip portionof the tampon casing so that the plunger mechanism is joined securelywith the tampon casing.
 10. The tampon applicator assembly of claim 2,wherein the sleeve is elongated so that the sleeve encompasses thetampon applicator section and the plunger section.
 11. The tamponapplicator assembly of claim 1, wherein said at least one femininehygiene product comprises two feminine hygiene products disposed in thedistal portion of the sleeve.
 12. The tampon applicator assembly ofclaim 11, wherein the two feminine hygiene products are selected fromthe group consisting of a panty liner, a sanitary napkin, an extratampon, an absorbent pad, a moistened towelette, a towelette disposalmitt, a simple disposal mitt, a pharmaceutical, a medicinal lotion, anon-medicinal lotion, a lubricant, a cleanser, a spermicidal agent, andan anti-fungal agent.
 13. The tampon applicator assembly of claim 1,further comprising a partition separating the proximal portion of thesleeve from the distal portion of the sleeve.
 14. The tampon applicatorassembly of claim 13, wherein the partition comprises a rigid materialand is rigidly attached to the sleeve.
 15. A tampon applicator assembly,comprising: a tampon; a rigid sleeve coaxial with the tampon, the sleevehaving a proximal compartment and a distal compartment, the tampon beingdisposed within the proximal compartment; and a first feminine hygieneproduct disposed within the distal compartment, the distal compartmenthaving a larger diameter than the proximal compartment, the rigid sleeveencompassing the tampon and the feminine hygiene product so that thetampon and the feminine hygiene product are protected from contaminationprior to use.
 16. The tampon applicator of claim 15, further comprisinga second feminine hygiene product disposed within the distal compartmentof the sleeve.
 17. A tampon applicator assembly, comprising: a tampon; atampon casing encompassing the tampon; a sleeve having a distal portionand a proximal portion, the proximal portion encompassing the tamponcasing; and a towlette disposal mitt disposed in the distal portion, thetowelette disposal mitt being adapted to be used during insertion andremoval of the tampon.
 18. The tampon applicator assembly of claim 17,wherein the sleeve is rigid.
 19. The tampon applicator assembly of claim18, wherein the towelette disposal mitt includes means for attaching themitt to a user's person in order to keep the mitt raised above a floorduring a tampon insertion and removal process.
 20. The tampon applicatorassembly of claim 19, wherein means for attaching is selected from thegroup consisting of: an adhesive strip, an adhesive, a clip, a clamp, apin and a magnetic attachment device.